Nicolas Gagnard
Please introduce yourself first and tell us about your background, areas of expertise, and your position in your institution.
My name is Nicolas Gagnard and I have worked for Lafarge for two years, first as Operations Engineer, and now as Industrial Manager.
What is your role in Rotate as an organization and as an individual?
Lafarge is part of the Rotate project by providing a pilot site, on which equipment and technological modules developed by other members of the consortium are tested. My role is to coordinate operations as project manager.
Why do you think that projects like Rotate are so important?
Projects like Rotate are important because they demonstrate the EU’s desire to invest in the innovation and sustainability of industries linked to raw materials. Operating extractive industries and owning the associated know-how implies being able to hold a strong position in the years to come, in a sector that will be increasingly under pressure.
In your opinion, which should be the most important areas for the future of mining?
Reducing water consumption, recovering by-products from manufacturing processes, recycling, consuming less energy… Performance must be at the heart of our current concerns.
The real difference that can and must Europe made in the extractive industry is to improve technical and environmental performance. Reducing emissions is a real challenge on which we have the opportunity to lead the way, and we can stand out from the rest of the world by providing the necessary means for innovation on these subjects.
Let us know you a little bit better. Would you tell us something you like to do when you are out of the office?
I’m a big fan of cooking and traveling! The combination of these two hobbies allows me to prepare dishes from many different countries, with very varied culinary cultures.
Antoine Fontan
Please introduce yourself first and tell us about your background, areas of expertise, and your position in your institution.
I am Antoine Fontan and I recently arrived in Lafarge as a project manager and operation engineer.
What is your role in Rotate as an organization and as an individual?
Lafarge is part of the Rotate 8 project by providing a pilot site, on which equipment and technological modules developed by other consortium members are tested. I provide data for the other members and help in coordination with my colleagues.
Why do you think that projects like Rotate are so important?
Projects like Rotate are important for two reasons: first, it helps industries to innovate to reduce their carbon footprint, and second, it enables industries from different European countries to work together, opening a dialogue and creating cohesion between countries.
In your opinion which should be the most important areas for the future of mining?
The main challenge is to be performant while taking care of the environment: reducing water, and energy consumption, and preserving biodiversity while developing the economy in a competitive world.
Let us know you a little bit better. Would you tell us something you like to do when you are out of the office?
I’m doing many sports such as badminton or climbing, and I’m a big fan of culture quizzes!
